The Tennessee Senate recently passed a bill with a 26-5 vote that would allow faculty or staff members of a school to carry concealed handguns on school grounds under certain conditions. The bill has sparked controversy and concern among community members, particularly those affected by the deadly Covenant School shooting.
Mary Joyce, a mother at Covenant School, voiced her strong opposition to the bill, deeming it “extremely reckless” and ineffective in its current form. Along with concerns about unidentified handgun carriers and teachers feeling uneasy about additional responsibilities, Joyce fears that teachers would prioritize their own safety during emergencies, leaving students exposed.
While the bill requires teachers to undergo 40 hours of training before carrying a firearm, Joyce and gun safety advocates argue that real-world scenarios have not been adequately considered. Despite the opposition, supporters like state Sen. Paul Bailey believe that allowing teachers to carry firearms could be vital in rural areas with limited law enforcement and longer response times. Bailey emphasized that not all schools can afford school resource officers, and arming teachers could provide an additional layer of defense.
Currently, 34 states allow teachers to carry firearms as of 2023. The bill is set to proceed through the Tennessee House next week for further consideration.
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